Re: My Winter Tune-up
 

Ernie

Hope you are doing well. Was that your truck you posted the picture of.?

Re: My Winter Tune-up
 

If your are talking the teal 98 Dakota, then yes, otherwise I don't know which truck

SS354
Ernie Neal

Re: My Winter Tune-up
 

Ernie, I had a single vessel bypass using an artery from my chest (internal mammary to left anterior descending). I looked like I'd been shot at and missed but $h!t at and hit. Don't push the issue with the sternum healing. In my day job, I've seen a couple of patients that didn't allow the sternum to heal and ended up with nasty infections.

Follow your Drs. advice to the letter. Once you turn the corner and start feeling better, you'll feel yourself getting stronger each day. -Al

Re: My Winter Tune-up
 

Well Alan, I appreciate the tip for I'm one that always pushed my lifting stuff just to get things done. Man it hurts washing my hands together. I have been good about hugging my cushion to keep my arms from doing stuff.

Ernie Neal
SS354

Re: My Winter Tune-up
 

Glad you are doing better, Ernie. Was good good chatting with you at the PRI Show. Get strong, you need to row some gears! See you in the Spring!

Re: My Winter Tune-up
 

Ernie, I wouldn't think you would want to lift anything heavier than your wallet for 8 to 10 weeks, enjoy the break you earned it. Look forward to visiting with you at bowling green or Indy, lifting a mixed drink takes your sternum ( I heard ).

Re: My Winter Tune-up
 

Thanks Joe, I plan on a full recovery by Indy D3-1 event.

One thing for sure Dale, with all that I'll be speeding on this tune-up that wallet will get really light. thanks for the tips!!

Ernie Neal
SS354

Re: My Winter Tune-up
 

Ernie, after I saw how excited you were when we talked at the PRI Show, I'd never have guessed you were in for this ride, but I'm very glad it all went as well as it has.

Re: My Winter Tune-up
 

Ernie…My best advice to you is to listen to what the doctor and cardiologist tell you. Your desire to do more than you can do is a positive thing, a lot of people lose that. In regards to bruising thats normal and the sternum takes a long time, looks good on the outside but your "Old Style lifting days" are over. If you feel "clicking" in the sternum it might be too late and they will have to open you up and rewire you (you want to prevent that). I have just celebrated my 3rd year of recovery from Quadruple Bypass Surgery on Dec.19 (done 2013). My symptoms were "shortness of breath", went to a race and had to take a rest nearly every 20' of walking. That was partially due to 100% blockage on the right side of my heart along with a 90% ,80% and 65%. Genetics, STRESS and diet proved to be the cause. Genetics on a persons fathers side is common. My Cardiologist told me to advise my siblings to get checked out, I did and shortly after my sister had a heart attack. There are many different signs of Heart Disease and Pre-Heart Attack. Some are Abnormal Numbness(I think we all have a little of that in the head with what we do with our so called disposable income), pain in the arms, sharp pain in the centre of the back between the shoulder blades, tight chest, chest pain, shortness of breath are only some. We are all from a Generation of Invincibility and it is important to get things checked out if you don't feel right. We read RIP posts weekly on this site and in some cases it may be preventible. Ernie keep up your positive desire to complete your project, just don't over do it and those closest to you will surely will be honoured to help. A sternum strength test is try and push the palms of your hands together tightly, you will feel what I'm trying to say. If you drive with your hands in the 10 o'clock- 2 o'clock position you will feel the strain on your sternum. Up in B.C. where I live the Insurance Company is involved and it is no driving for 8-12 weeks and there is good reason for that. A relaxed recovery time will give you an opportunity to think about whats important for You. Thank you for Sharing your Winter Tune-up story with us. Wishing you a Healthy Heart and Healing…Maurice.

Re: My Winter Tune-up
 

Maurice, thanks for this info, I know I want to do a lot but will not overdue it.
I know what you mean on pushing your palms together, just from trying to wash my hands. I'm concerned on my manual shift racing the last of April. I hope if I take it easy on my sternum earlier on I'll be healed by then.

Alan, yes pumped about my cars all running well. We'll get there

Ernie Neal
SS354